41 Fall Baking Recipes to Make This Season
Fall baking is the best kind of baking. Your kitchen smells amazing with all the warm spices and everything tastes like comfort food. These 41 recipes use all the good fall flavors – pumpkin, apple, maple, cinnamon, and cranberries. Most of these freeze well so you can make big batches when apples and pumpkins are cheap. Perfect for cozy weekends when you want your house to smell like autumn.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These soft cookies taste like fall in cookie form. The pumpkin keeps them super moist and the spices warm you up from the inside. They stay soft for days if you store them right. Great for lunch boxes or when you need something portable that screams autumn. Way better than those pumpkin spice lattes that cost five bucks.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cinnamon Bread
This quick bread is loaded with diced apples and smells incredible while baking. The cinnamon sugar on top gets all crusty and sweet. You can use any apples you got – even the soft ones work fine when chopped up. Perfect for breakfast with coffee or as an afternoon snack. Freezes great so make two loaves.
Get the recipe here.
Maple Pecan Scones
Real maple syrup in these makes all the difference – don’t use the fake stuff. The pecans add crunch and the maple flavor is warm and cozy. These are flaky like good scones should be but not dry. Perfect with coffee on weekend mornings when you want something special but not too sweet. The maple glaze on top makes them look fancy.
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato Pie
This is like pumpkin pie’s more interesting cousin. Sweet potatoes have a deeper flavor that’s not as one-note as pumpkin. You gotta bake the sweet potatoes first which takes time but it’s worth it. The filling is creamy and spiced just right. Great for Thanksgiving when you want something different from regular pumpkin pie.
Get the recipe here.
Cranberry Orange Muffins
The tart cranberries and bright orange make these taste fresh even though they’re perfect for fall. The orange zest in the batter makes a huge difference – don’t skip it. These aren’t as sweet as most muffins which makes them good for breakfast. The cranberries look pretty against the orange muffin too. Use fresh cranberries when their in season or dried ones work fine too.
Get the recipe here.
Caramel Apple Bars
These have a shortbread crust, apple filling, and caramel on top. They’re easier than making apple pie but taste just as good. The caramel layer gets chewy and perfect. You can use homemade caramel or just melt down store-bought caramel candies. These are great for potlucks cause they cut into neat squares and transport easy.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Roll Cake
This looks super impressive but isn’t as hard as it seems. The key is rolling it while it’s still warm so it doesn’t crack. The cream cheese filling is tangy and balances the spiced cake. This is my favorite fall dessert cause it looks fancy but tastes like comfort food. Great for holiday dinners when you want to show off a little.
Get the recipe here.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These baked donuts are way easier than fried ones and still taste amazing. They come out of the oven and get dipped in melted butter then cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm. The texture is more like cake than traditional donuts but that’s totally fine. Perfect for weekend breakfasts when you want something special.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Crisp Cheesecake
This combines apple crisp and cheesecake which sounds crazy but totally works. The graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and oat topping all layer together perfectly. It takes some time to make but most of that is just chilling time. Perfect for special occasions when regular cheesecake feels boring.
Get the recipe here.
Butterscotch Blondies
These are like brownies but with butterscotch instead of chocolate. The butterscotch chips get all melty and gooey inside. They’re sweet and rich but not as heavy as chocolate brownies. Great for people who don’t love chocolate or when you want something different. These keep well in the freezer too.
Get the recipe here.
Spiced Pear Tart
Pears are underrated for fall baking but they’re so good. This tart has a buttery crust and the pears get all caramelized with warm spices. It looks elegant but isn’t too complicated. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Perfect for dinner parties when you want something that looks professional.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
The combination of pumpkin and chocolate chips works surprisingly well together. The pumpkin makes the bread super moist and adds that fall flavor. Kids who might not eat plain pumpkin bread will gobble this up. Great for using up leftover pumpkin puree after making pies. Makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cider Cupcakes
These taste like drinking apple cider but in cupcake form. The cider reduces down while baking which concentrates the flavor. Top with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for the full fall experience. These are perfect for fall parties or when you want individual desserts that are easy to serve. The apple flavor is subtle but definitely there.
Get the recipe here.
Maple Walnut Cookies
Real maple syrup gives these cookies an amazing flavor that fake maple just can’t match. The walnuts add crunch and pair perfectly with the maple. These are chewy in the middle with slightly crispy edges. Great for cookie swaps or when you want something that tastes distinctly fall. They freeze well so you can make big batches.
Get the recipe here.
Acorn Squash Muffins
These are different from regular pumpkin muffins cause acorn squash has a nuttier flavor. You gotta roast the squash first which is an extra step but worth it. The muffins are moist and not too sweet. Great way to use up squash from your garden or the farmer’s market. These are hearty enough for breakfast but still feel like a treat.
Get the recipe here.
Cranberry Apple Crisp
This combines tart cranberries with sweet apples which balances out perfectly. The cranberries add a pop of color and bright flavor. The oat topping gets golden and crunchy. This is less sweet than regular apple crisp which I think makes it better. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert when you want something that’s not pie.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake
This tastes like that coffee shop drink but in cake form. The coffee in the batter isn’t strong but adds depth to the pumpkin flavor. The cream cheese frosting has a hint of coffee too. This is a layer cake so it looks impressive for parties. Way cheaper than buying all those lattes and probably tastes better too.
Get the recipe here.
Brown Butter Pumpkin Bars
Browning the butter takes a few extra minutes but adds this incredible nutty flavor. The bars are soft and cake-like with cream cheese frosting on top. These are easier than making a layer cake but still look nice cut into squares. Great for potlucks or bake sales. The brown butter makes these taste way more sophisticated than regular pumpkin bars.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Butter Coffee Cake
Apple butter gives this coffee cake a deep apple flavor without chunks of fruit. The streusel topping has cinnamon and gets all crunchy. This is perfect for weekend mornings with coffee. You can make your own apple butter or buy it at the store. The cake stays moist for days thanks to the apple butter.
Get the recipe here.
Chai Spiced Cookies
These use chai spices instead of regular fall spices which makes them interesting and different. They got cardamom, ginger, and black pepper along with the usual cinnamon. The spice blend is warm and complex. These are soft and chewy with slightly crispy edges. Perfect with tea or coffee on cold afternoons.
Get the recipe here.
Pecan Pie Bars
All the flavor of pecan pie but way easier to make and serve. The shortbread crust holds up to the gooey pecan filling. These cut into neat squares which makes them perfect for parties. Way less messy to eat than actual pecan pie. The filling is sweet and rich with lots of pecans in every bite.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
These combine rich chocolate brownies with tangy pumpkin cheesecake. The swirl pattern looks fancy but you just dollop the mixtures and drag a knife through. The contrast between chocolate and pumpkin is really good. These are dense and rich so small squares are plenty. Perfect for when you can’t decide between brownies and cheesecake.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Fritter Bread
This quick bread tastes like those apple fritters from donut shops but in loaf form. It’s got chunks of apples and cinnamon throughout with glaze on top. The texture is tender and moist. Way easier than making actual fritters and no messy frying. Great for breakfast or afternoon snack with coffee.
Get the recipe here.
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts
These baked donuts have pumpkin in the batter and maple glaze on top. The combination of pumpkin spices and maple is perfect for fall. They’re cake-like rather than yeast donuts but still totally delicious. The maple glaze hardens slightly which gives a nice contrast to the soft donut. Perfect for weekend breakfast treats.
Get the recipe here.
Cinnamon Apple Turnovers
These use puff pastry which makes them way easier than making pie dough from scratch. The apple filling gets all bubbly and caramelized inside the flaky pastry. They look fancy but are pretty simple to assemble. Serve warm for the best experience. These are great for breakfast or dessert depending on how much sugar you add to the apples.
Get the recipe here.
Spiced Apple Cake
This is a simple one-bowl cake that’s loaded with diced apples and warm spices. It’s not too sweet which makes it good for breakfast or afternoon snack. The apples keep it super moist. You can dust it with powdered sugar or make a simple glaze. Perfect for using up a bunch of apples when they’re in season.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
These are like regular snickerdoodles but with pumpkin in the dough. They’re soft and chewy with that classic cinnamon sugar coating. The pumpkin makes them extra tender without making them taste too pumpkin-y. These are great for cookie exchanges or when you want something familiar but with a fall twist.
Get the recipe here.
Caramel Pear Upside-Down Cake
Pears work just as well as pineapple for upside-down cake. The caramel gets all bubbly and golden on the bottom. When you flip it over, the pears look beautiful on top. This is elegant enough for dinner parties but not too complicated. The pears get soft and sweet from baking in the caramel.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Pie Cookies
These taste like apple pie but in cookie form. They got diced apples, cinnamon, and sometimes a drizzle of caramel on top. The cookies are soft and cake-like rather than crispy. Perfect for when you want apple pie flavor but don’t want to make a whole pie. These travel well for potlucks and bake sales.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
The cream cheese in these makes them extra rich and tangy. You can swirl it through the batter or just mix it in. The contrast between the spiced pumpkin and tangy cream cheese is really good. These are more indulgent than regular pumpkin muffins but still reasonable for breakfast. Great with coffee on fall mornings.
Get the recipe here.
Maple Pecan Coffee Cake
This has layers of cake, pecans, and cinnamon streusel. The maple flavor comes through without being overwhelming. It’s perfect for weekend breakfasts or when you have company coming. The streusel topping gets crunchy and the pecans add texture. This keeps well covered for several days.
Get the recipe here.
Cranberry Walnut Bread
The tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts make this bread interesting in every bite. It’s not too sweet which makes it good for breakfast or afternoon snacks. The cranberries add pretty color and the walnuts give it substance. This freezes really well so you can make extra loaves when cranberries are cheap.
Get the recipe here.
Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake
This is richer and more complex than regular pumpkin pie. The cream cheese makes it super smooth and the spices are perfectly balanced. You need to plan ahead cause it needs time to chill. The gingersnap crust adds nice texture and flavor. Perfect for holiday dinners when you want something special.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
These take regular cinnamon rolls and add diced apples to the filling. They’re perfect for fall mornings when you want something special. The apples get soft and jammy while baking. These are definitely a weekend project but so worth it. Serve warm with the glaze while they’re still soft and gooey.
Get the recipe here.
Brown Butter Sage Cookies
These are different from most fall cookies cause they’re savory-sweet with sage in them. The brown butter adds nutty flavor and the sage makes them sophisticated. They’re not for everyone but people who like them really love them. Perfect with wine or as part of a cheese board. These are more adult than kid-friendly.
Get the recipe here.
Pumpkin Spice Macarons
These are definitely advanced baking but look incredible when you nail them. The shells are orange-tinted and the filling tastes like pumpkin pie. They’re finicky to make but impressive for special occasions. The pumpkin spice flavor works surprisingly well in macaron form. These are more about showing off than comfort food.
Get the recipe here.
Caramel Apple Pound Cake
This dense cake is loaded with diced apples and has caramel baked right in. It’s rich and moist and keeps well for days. The caramel swirls throughout the cake and creates pockets of sweetness. Perfect for fall gatherings or when you want a cake that’s not too fussy but still special.
Get the recipe here.
Maple Oat Cookies
These are chewy and wholesome with maple flavor throughout. The oats make them more filling than regular cookies. They’re not too sweet which makes them good for breakfast or snack time. The maple flavor is subtle but definitely there. These keep soft for days if you store them right.
Get the recipe here.
Pear Gingerbread Upside-Down Cake
The spicy gingerbread and sweet pears work really well together. The pears caramelize on the bottom and look beautiful when you flip the cake. This is perfect for winter when you want warming spices. The gingerbread is moist and flavorful without being too strong. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Get the recipe here.
Apple Cheddar Galette
This savory-sweet combo might sound weird but it’s actually traditional. The sharp cheddar balances the sweet apples perfectly. It’s rustic looking which takes the pressure off making it perfect. Great for brunch or as a side dish with dinner. The combination is more sophisticated than regular apple desserts.
Get the recipe here.
Spiced Sweet Potato Cookies
These are soft and cake-like with warm spices throughout. Sweet potatoes make them moist and add natural sweetness. They’re less common than pumpkin cookies which makes them interesting. Adding cinnamon cream cheese frosting takes the taste to next level. These are great for people who want something different from the usual fall flavors.
Get the recipe here.